How to Spot a Liar

1. Doesn't make eye contact: Some people are shy and never make eye contact with others. This personality trait is usually easily identifiable, especially if you know the person. On the other hand, if speaking with someone, perhaps a friend, spouse, or sibling, and this person strangely refuses to make eye contact, or can't hold eye contact for a long period - be suspicious. There are many reasons why a liar doesn't make eye contact. In some instances, eye contact may cause the person to laugh or smile uncontrollably, which can raise red flags. A guilty conscious may also cause a person to avoid eye contact.

2. Person tries to force a smile: To avoid hurting someone's feelings, some people choose to withhold the truth. For example, let's say someone gives you a gift that you hate, and then ask you, "Do you like it?" Even if you detest the present, you aren't going to admit it. Rather you put on a happy face and exaggerate your excitement. The only problem is that the person may detect the truth. Our expressions say a lot about how we feel. In this situation, it's common for the person lying to fake a smile. Unfortunately, fake smiles are easy to detect. When someone is truly happy, their happiness radiates, and can be seen in their eyes and heard in their voice.

3. Doesn't Use Contractions: It's funny, but people who lie are more likely to use contractions in their speech. When a person is telling the truth his or her speech is very natural and relaxed. Hence, they may make statements such as, "I wasn't there," or "I won't be available." On the other hand, a person trying to withhold the truth gives careful thought to speech and statements, and is more likely to speak very proper. In turn, they'll make statements such as "I was not there," and "I will not be available."

4. Abruptly Change the Subject: If a person is lying, he or she will likely make every attempt to change the subject. The sudden change may be noticed by others because the liar will choose a topic that is completely off the subject. For example, if an employee is asked the reason behind their tardiness, they may create a story about having a flat tire or car trouble, and then abruptly make a statement about the weather. The sudden topic change is intended to distract the inquiring mind, wherein the liar doesn't have to answer any more questions.